Does any one know of a USB to TTL (5v) converter?

Question

Hi all, I have a friend that is looking for a board (or product) that can connect to the USB port and have 4 to 8 TTL (5v) outputs. Although inputs are not strictly necessary, if the item has these it would be of interest. He hopes to find something in the $50 range.

He mentions that he is looking to control external devices (lamps, motors, buzzers, etc.) through the USB port. He is looking for the TTL outputs and will develop his own interface electronics (opto coupler, triac, etc.) that will use the TTL signals as inputs.

Does any one have any suggestions?

If this is not the best group to ask this, please let me know and I'll repost in the recommended group. Thanks! Salvador

YT2095 · Accepted Answer

Probably the easiest way would be through an FTDI board (or any USB to serial converter) and then use a simple microcontroller, even an arduino will do this task easily of taking in serial data, and outputting this as Binary. USB to Parallel port devices are easy to come by also.

fustini · Answer

Yeah, I think any microcontroller dev board with USB interface (or external FTDI interface) would fit this requirement like Arduino, Propeller, etc. An alternative may be to get an explicit USB controller board like this Velleman kit (which I've seen at RadioShack): http://www.velleman.eu/products/view/?country=be&lang=en&id=351346 It has a Windows interface and also now works with Android & iOS. Cheers, Drew

Catwell · Answer

Salvador, Easiest to do is get a USB to serial/TTL breakout board. USB to serial/TTL breakout board. Or you can build one yourself: This is taken from Ben Lennard's website . Good luck. Cabe http://twitter.com/Cabe_e14